According to Phil, winter ain’t gone quite yet! But that should not stop you from planning for Spring. To get started, I recommend looking at your favorite retailers and fashion experts (bloggers, celebs, and magazines) to determine the trends (bell sleeves, cropped pants, and off the shoulder blouses). While I am all for trends, I prefer the classics. This is why I am recommending five items you need for Spring. The best part is you might already own some of these items. If not, they are inexpensive enough to pick up pretty much anywhere.

Five Items You Need For Spring!

Something Blush. I am a girly-girl through and through and I can’t get enough blush in my wardrobe. It’s just so feminine and romantic. It’s also a good transitional color that works now and later. I picked up this gorgeous blush tote and these shoes . I am still on the lookout for a faux leather jacket and some other blush items.

A Military-inspired jacket aka “the anorak or utility coat”. Such a classic and always on trend. You can opt for the more traditional anorak style or a cute shrunken blazer like the one in this post. What I like about this classic is you can dress it up or down (wear with pants, shorts, dress and skirts) and it’s also another great transitional piece. See how I styled this trend here, here, and here.

White Denim. This trend is here to stay and becoming the new normal. Do yourself a favor and pick up several pairs, I would opt for a skinny, distressed and a cropped pair. You can also wear this look year round.

If you’re someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you – Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.

What is Stitch Fix?

Think of Stitch Fix as your personal stylist or best friend. Stitch Fix allows you to create a style profile that includes your measurements, likes and dislikes and wish list goals. Once you’ve created your profile, sit back and let your stylist dress you.

How much does it cost?

There is a $25 styling fee that can be put towards your Fix if you decide to keep some or all of the items. When you set up your style profile, you can specify your price preference and what you’re looking for. Your stylist will work to stick to your budget.

Why You Should Try It

It’s super easy and a great way to stay current with the trends, especially if you don’t have time to shop or don’t care to. An added bonus is the style cards (my favorite part). In each Fix you will get your style card that will visually show you how to put your pieces together.

How to get started

My Personal Experience

When it comes to style, I prefer to pick out my own stuff, but I do think it’s important to experiment with your style. I was also curious about Stitch Fix and wanted to give it a try.

The stylist sent over 5 items and a personalized note. Most of the items that I received, I didn’t really care for, but I did like the knit top (shown in today’s post).

Before sending my items back, I was able to provide feedback. Within a day or two, I received a response. It was nice to know that there was an actual person on the receiving end. They offered to wave my styling fee on my next Fix if I chose to give them another try.

My second Fix was closer to my personal style. I love how personable my stylist is and how she checked out my blog and Pinterest boards to learn my personal style. I’m hoping that my next go will be even better. I’ll keep you guys posted.

Overall, the experience was good and I look forward to my next Fix. If you want to give Stitch Fix a try, I would love for you to leave a comment on this post and share your experience.

A few weeks ago on Instagram I asked my followers what they struggle with when it comes to personal style. One response was how to stay warm and stylish in the winter. This is such a timely question, given that Seattle has been in the 20s this week. I also commute to work and need to stay warm and cute once I get to the office.

How to Stay Warm and Stylish in the Winter

My biggest recommendation is that you wear a base layer (long underwear). This is an effective way to layer your clothes without taking away from your outfit. In fact, no one will even know you’re wearing them. The material is super thin and fits like a second skin. I have several pairs that I got from Costco but you can find them at retailers such as REI and Amazon. There are so many cute options now too.

My other go-to is wool socks. I wear my wool socks at the start of fall through the end of winter. You can get wool socks pretty much anywhere, but my favorite brand is Fits. They are somewhat fitted and don’t itch. They also come in a variety of colors and prints.

Tall boots are the best. I have several pairs in different colors so they can go with everything. A tall boot provides an extra layer for your legs. When you pair them with your wool socks you get the added warmth that is necessary during the winter.

Invest in a good winter coat. I have two that I rotate throughout the week. If casual is more your style, then go for one with down to stay extra toasty. Other layering items that work well during this season are the classic button-down shirt and pullover sweater. You can get these essentials from pretty much anywhere. I am partial to merino and cashmere, but most materials work well.

Accessorize yourself with a scarf, hat, and gloves. This is where you can get creative. Cute scarfs are in abundance, as are hats. When it comes to keeping your head warm, go for something neutral or ultra feminine.

Once you’re back home, take a warm bath (a winter must) and snuggle under a warm and toasty heat blanket. I am obsessed with mine and want to give them out as gifts. Finish off the night with a good book and a hot cup of tea.

Today’s look is not winter appropriate but I am wearing my long underwear. Who knew that long johns could also work as leggings? When I got this lace hem tunic I knew just what to pair it with. Plus, the added bulk of denim just didn’t look right on my frame. The tall boots were a no-brainer.

Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Need help figuring out what to wear? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit.

Today’s outfit is not festive, but with a few changes it has the potential. To get started, I recommend a few items. Most if not all of these pieces you will already own or can pick up at the store.

Casual Holiday Outfit Essentials

Clutch. Instead of carrying a cross body bag, I would opt for a clutch. Clutches are a great way to dress up your look. If you’re looking for a clutch I would check out Nordstrom, Target, and DSW. I found a simple black clutch at DSW that will work for most occasions.

Heels. A heel makes everything look good: jean, pants, dress or skirt. Not to mentioned a great confidence booster! Walking around in a pair of pumps will take a casual look to the next level. If you’re more of a flats girl, opt for a pair that is sparkly (it’s the holidays after all) or one with a bow.

Bright lip. If you’re a long-term reader, you know that I always recommend wearing lipstick. It’s an inexpensive way to look polished and brighten up your look. In today’s post, I went for a darker lip, but if I were to attend a holiday party I would wear red. If you’re hesitant to wear a bright lip, try an orange-red or one with blue undertones. A burgundy or bright pink would also look nice.

Statement earring, necklace, or brooch. I love jewelry, especially during the holidays. Depending on your style, go for a festive statement piece. For this look I would wear a sparkly brooch to dress up the simple top. If I wore my hair up, I would do a statement earring.

The Finishing Touch – Something Glam

For your final piece, go for the glam! I recommend any of the below items to take your look up a notch. If you’re looking for a more subtle statement, lace is always a good option. Oh, and nail polish. Do something sparkly, bright, or both.

Sequins. Doesn’t need much of an explanation and there are so many options to choose from. For a fun take on this never-ending trend, choose your sparkle in a color. Pink, anyone? Then remix for New Years.

Faux Fur. You could throw on a fur stole (like the one I wore in this post) or vest. Both are festive and you can wear them many times throughout the season. Plus, it a great way to stay warm.

Could this ruffle blouse get any cuter? I scored it during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It’s another cute top from BP. They have been killing it lately (although BP has always been good). I like that I can still shop there even though I’m no longer a teen. The quality of their basics is excellent and their jewelry is on-trend.

These jeans are super comfortable and I love the wash. They are pretty versatile too. See how I last styled them. This is the first pair that I’ve got from Treasure & Bond. If the rest of their jeans fit as good as this pair, I’ll definitely be picking up some more.

I almost forgot to mention the accessories. My favorite Kendra Scott necklace is from Rocksbox (get your first month free with code laceandpearlsblogxoxo).The bracelets (here & here) and midi ring are from Pretty Particular. Super cute and affordable jewelry. Use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order.